Is Vitamin C Really That Important?
We love vitamin C for so many reasons, but we also want to manage your expectations around it. While others often label vitamin C as a lead in skin regimens, we put it in more of a supporting role. Is your skin ready for vitamin C, or are you wasting money on one when you really need something else? Read more!
Vitamin C is among the most common antioxidants in skincare (here's a refresher on antioxidants). It was first stabilized by Dr. Sheldon R Pinnell, who created the popular line SkinCeuticals, but then that line was sold to L'Oreal almost 20 years ago. Since then, a lot has changed in product formulations, and more skincare ingredients have been stabilized and made popular.
"Is vitamin C overrated in skincare," you ask. Well, it can be! Because it is difficult to stabilize and get it to penetrate the skin, a good one won't be cheap. But, at the same time, not all expensive ones are worth it either. Many vitamin C serums can leave much to be desired even though they are often sold as a "cure-all."
So should you use one? That's a tricky question because, in theory, you should use it all – if time and money weren't a thing. Let's start with the question: will vitamin C significantly change your skin? It sure can! A good vitamin C will protect your skin against damage, and some will even brighten and even your skin tone.
The best visual for what a good vitamin C serum does is to think of lemon juice on an apple to keep it from browning. It will protect your skin from free radicals that would otherwise damage it. That makes vitamin C among the leaders in healthy aging ingredients. While you absolutely want to protect your skin from damage, if you have current problems with your skin, you want to focus on treating those first.
Sometimes, people start with vitamin C as their first and only serum. This is a safe choice and can be a somewhat "one-size-fits-most" approach. But if they have skin concerns like pigment, acne, scarring, pore size, or congestion or are totally new to professional skincare, we would start you with something else and save the antioxidants until you're ready to expand your skincare world. As always, check with your aesthetician to ensure that what you're doing to your skin is the most effective way to achieve your skincare goals. We want to make sure your time and dollars are spent wisely!
In the meantime, you can browse our Skin MPLS Vitamin C serums to get a feel for what's out there. We offer vitamin C products that we call "solo Cs," where vitamin C is the star ingredient, and we also carry "combination C" products that combine vitamin C with additional powerful ingredients.
Solo C Serums:
Pure C + E In true Vivant fashion, everything they do is active; this serum is no exception. It will smooth and brighten, but be sure your skin is hydrated and repaired enough to handle it. This serum works wonders to prime skin, giving you that flawless look. Along with vitamin C, vitamin E helps to strengthen skin walls for a plumping effect.
Citrine Vitamin C Radiance Complexion Glutathione is the next upcoming star ingredient, so combining it with a powerful C is really a win-win. This serum is at a higher price point, so it's for people really dedicated to doing all the right things to keep their skin healthy. It can be a great solo serum for the mornings. A slight warning that glutathione smells like sulfur -- that means it's working.
Vita-C Radiance Solution Ampule This is radiance in a bottle and the option for dry skin that wants vitamin C but can't handle the spice level of Vivant's Pure C+E. Also, even though it is $110, the serum runs in Korean sizes, which are about double that of a typical serum, making it a rather affordable option by value.
Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum This is a hydrating option for anyone with rosacea-prone skin. Since ascorbic acid can trigger rosacea, this is an alternative way to still get vitamin C. It's a great beginning option for aging skin that also has rosacea since it's crucial to tread lightly when adding new ingredients.
Combo C Serums:
CLEARITY Clearstem combines acne-treating products with healthy aging products. Since vitamin C serums don't aim to treat acne, they can often contain pore-clogging ingredients, and we usually don't recommend starting on one until the skin is clear. However, this exception will deliver vitamin C into the skin while giving you gentle exfoliation with mandelic acid and anti-inflammatory aid with turmeric.
Rx Complex This is a lovely starter serum for those beginning to invest in their skin. It's perfect for dry and sensitive skin and contains peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.
Matahari Oil The bioactive oils in this signature blend contain vitamin C, making it a potent and affordable option for dry skin or those dedicated to a holistic, less-is-more approach.
Alto Defense is a spendier cocktail of antioxidants that is safe for dry and red-prone skin. It will stop aging in its tracks and give you a simple starter serum in the morning, or you can layer it with your full lineup. It's great for acne clients who are now clear or those who like to try the trendy in skincare science.